Alarm apparatus



Aug. 17 1926. 1,596,425

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D. L. GORDON ALARM APPARATUS Filed May e. 1921 2 sheets-sheet 2iINVENTOR ATTORNEY Patented Aug. 17, 1926.

`UNITED STATES DAVID L. GORDON, 0F NEW .YORK, N. Y.

ALARM APPARATUS.

Application led May 6, 1921, Serial No. 467,395.

This invention relates to alarm apparatus and with regard t-o its morespecific features to electric circuit closures adapted tor use onswinging doors, windows and the lilre.

It is an object of the invention to provide a device wherein a signalwill be given when a closed door is forced away from its casing in anedgewise direction. y

It is another object ot the invention t provide such a device which isundisturbed by swinging opening and closing movement of the door.

Another object of invention is to provide an electric alarm havingterminals adjustable to be moved into contact by relative edgewiseseparation of predetermined. slight extent between the door and thecasing.

Another object ot the invention is to provide an alarm which will soundcontinuously when once started until reset to normalv iroperativecondition from the inside of the compartment.

Another object of the invention is to provide alarm apparatus which issimple and reliable and which may remain permanently set irrespective ofordinary use of the door.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device capable oflocking a door against edgewise movement and adapted to permit pivotalmovement ot the same.

Other objects will be in part obvious and in part pointed outhereinafter in connection with ther following description ot theaccompanying drawings. which illustrate a preferred embodiment of theinvention, and in which;-

Figure 1 is a fragmentary elevation, from the inside, of a door and itscasing provided with the alarm.

Fig. 2 is a similar elevation larged scale of the circuit closer.

Fig. 3 is a top view of the same.

Fig. 4 is a similar top view in another condition. f y

Fig. 5 is an elevation, partly in section, of the circuit closer atanother period.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the door plate.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the casing plate.

Referring now to Fig. 1. there is shown a door 1 connected to its casing2 by hinges 3 (of which one only is shown) and having a lock 4cooperative with the casing to keep the door closed. The presentinvention concerns enewed November 6, 1925.

particularly a circuit closing device includingP members fixed to thedoor and to tbe casing which cooperate to close an electric circuit andto give a signal when the door is Vtorced bodily trom the casing. andwhich remain undisturbed during normal swinging movement ot the doorduring opening and closing; of the same. Y

A plate 5 is fixed rigidly to the door 1, as by screws, and has anoutwardly projecting extension 7 provided with a hole 8 in which a stem9 is adapted to be slidably carried. As will appear this stem may bemade to serve as a bolt, viewing the device in some aspects.

A brake is provided. to resist sliding movement of the stem 9. In thepresent embodiment this movement may be resisted by a set screw or pin1.0. which may be set against the stem with more or less pressure. Thestem 9 has a head 11 at one end and is threaded at the other end tocarry a terminal plate 1:2 having an opening provided with correspondingthreads. The position ot the terminal plate 12 on the stem 9 may bedetermined by a check nut 13. A second plate 6 is iixed to the casing 2and has a projecting extension 1.4- provided with an open slot or recess15 adapted to reeive a part ot the stem 9 adjacent the head 11 when thedoor is closed. The extension 14 is preferably faced off at 14 in orderto permit tree engagement and disengagement ot the head 11 within theslot 15 during pivotal closing and opening of the door wit-houtdisturbing the adjustment of the stem 9 on the plate 5.

By the present invention a normally open electric circuit is closed uponedgewiseseparating movement between the door 1 and the casing 2inc-ident to the forcing' of the door b v a jimmy or other tool in anattempt at violent entry. In the embodiment illustrated and as shownbestv in Fig. 5 a binding post 16 is carried by the extension 7 andinsulation 17 is interposed between the binding post and the extension.A second binding post 18 is carried by the extension 7 and is in directycontact therewith. Conducting wires 19 connect the binding posts 16 and18 with a source of electricity 20 and an alarm bell 21. Evidently thecircuit is closed in Fig. by means of binding post 1G, plate f 12,V stem9 and through extension 7 to binding post 18. y

The various chronological positions of the ttl) parts are illustrated byFigs. 2, 3, 4 and 5. From the position of Fig. 2 the device is set toroperation by sliding the stem 9 to the lett so that the head 11 is incontact with side ot the extension 14 remote from the door. rhe stem 9is then rotated, (keeping' the head 11 in contact with the extension14). thereby drawing terminal plate 12 to the right on the stem until apredetermined minimum space is left between the plate 12 and theterminal end 22 of the binding` post 1G. The check nut 13 is thentightened against the terminal plate 12 to assure a stationary positionof the plate on the stem 9.

To guard against accidental disturbance` set screw 10 is next tightenedto yieldingly retain stem 9 in position. The parts are now in thecondition of Fig. 3, the head 11 ot the bolt lying against the extension14 and the terminal plate 12 being spaced a minimum distance from theend 22 so that the circuit is open. In thisI condition the door may beopened and shut and may be locked or unlocked in the usual mannerwithout disturbing the adjustment of the parts or operating the alarm.

The operation of the circuit closer to produce continuous ringingr ofthe alarm will now be explained with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. lnorder to force an entrance a tool may be inserted between the door andcasing` (Figi3 t), in the attempt to pry the door bodily toward thehinges and thus to disengage the ordinary locking means by causinganedgewise or other abnormal movement of the door. lVhen the door isforced to the lett away from the casing in an edgewise direction. thestem 9 and the terminal plate 12 may remain stationary. due toengagement of the head 11 with the plate 14, while the plate 5 moveswith the door, sliding on the stem 9, so that the terminal 22 broughtinto contact with the plate 12, thereby closing" the circuit asdescribed and operating* the alarm.

Continuous operation of the alarm will be maintained even it the door isallowed to spring' bach to its formed position since the stem 9 will insuch event slide freely through the slot 15 to the position of Fig. 5rather than move in respect to the extension 7. `by reason of thebraking pressure exerted by the set screw 10. Thus the circuit willremain closed until reset from the inside of the door to its originalinoperative condition by moving the stem 9 on the plate 7 to space theterminal 12 from the terminal By the construction described a device isprovided which is simple and reliable and which operates automaticallyto accomplish the objects mentioned. lt will be noted that adjustment ispossible whereby the space between tlie terminals 12 and 22 may be madevery small and since the consequent amount of forcing required tooperate the alarm is of the same small extent the apparatus may be madeextremely sensitive without preventingY normal use ot' the door.

By disconnecting; the wires 1Q or opening a switch the device describedmay operate as a loci; to prevent any edgewise separation between thedoor and the casing'. ln this case. the. plate 12 should be set am l,I.t the terminal so that no further movement is possible. while at thesaine time the head 1l lies against the extension 14.

rllius bv the above ocscribed construction are accomplished,amongothers, the objects liereinbelore referred to.

As many changes could be made in the above construction and manyapparently widely difierent embodiments this invention could be madewithout de rtincr trom the scope tliereot, itis intended tha all mattercontained in the above description or shown in the accoinpa le'drznvingfs shall be interpreted as illustiatv and not in a limiting'sense.

It is also to be undo `stood that the language used in the 'i'olowingjfclaims intended to cover all oi the generic and specific features ot theinvention herein dcsc-ribed, and all statements ot the scope ct' theinvention which, as a matter ot language, mig-ht be said to talltherebetween.

Having' described my invention what 1 claim as new and desire to secureby Letters Patent is y 1. In a device of the character described, incombination, a door and its ng, an electric circuit closer including,rtwo normally spaced terminals and means operated by only abnormalrelative increment between said door when closed and said casing tocomplete the circuit through said terminals.

2. In a device of the cl'iaractcr described, in combination, a door andits casing, an electric circuit closer including two relatively movabletcrminals and means operated by abnormal relative movement between saiddoor when closed and said casing to effect and thereafter maintaincontact between said terminals although the door and casing are restoredto normal relative position.

3. In a device oit the character described, in combination, a door andits casing, an electric circuit closer including two relatively movableterminals, and means permanentlyv positioned for operatiiin uponabnormal relative movement between said door when closed and saidcasingr to ctl'ect Contact between said terminals, said means being`inoperative. to close said terminals during normal movement ot the door-from closed position.

4. A closure operated circuit closer including in combination, a memberadapted to be mounted on the closure and a member adapted to be mountedadjacent thereto, circuit closing contacts, and a contact operating artcarried by one of said members and aving a connection with the othermember to close said contacts when abnormal relative movement isimparted to said members, but

`being ineffective to close said contacts when the closure is movednormally toward open position. s

5. In a device of the character described, in combination, a door andits casing, an electric circuit closer including two relatively movableterminals and means operated by abnormal relative movement between saiddoor and said casing to effect contact between said terminals, saidmeans including coo erative terminal-moving devices on sai door and saidcasing, res ctively, adapted to remain inoperative urin normal movementof said door and a friction brake for the movable terminal to maintainsaid contact.

6. In a device of the character described, in combination, a door andits casing, an electric circuit closer including two relatively movableterminals, means operated by abnormal relative movement between' saiddoor and said casing to effect contact between said terminals,saidvmeans including cooperative terminal-moving devices on said doorand said casing, respectively, adapted to remain inoperative duringnormal movement of said door, a friction brake for the movable terminalto maintain said contact and means for adjusting said brake to vary thefrictional effect.

7. A closure operated circuit closer including in combination, a memberadapted to be mounted on the closure anda member adapted to be mountedadjacent thereto, circuit closing contacts, and a contact operating partcarried by one of said members and having a cooperative connection withthe other member to close said contacts when abnormal relative movementis imparted to said members, but being ineffective to close saidcontacts when the closure is moved normally toward open position, saidcontact operating art being adjustable to close the contacts a ter apredetermined movement, and friction means to maintain said contacts inclosed position.

8. A closure operated circuit closer including in combination, a memberadapted to be mounted on the closure and a member adapted to be mountedadjacent thereto, one of said members having an open slot, circuitclosing contacts, and a contact operating part carried by one of saidmembers and held in position for free entry into and passage from saidslot under normal closing or opening movement of said closure, saidoperating part` cooperating with said other member to close saidcontacts under abnormal relative movement between said members.

'9. A closure operated circuit closer including in combination, a memberadapted to be mounted on the closure, and a member adapted to be mountedadjacent thereto, circuit closing contacts, acontact operating partcarried by one of said members and having a cooperative connection withthe other member when said closure isA in closed position, saidoperating part being held in position to move into cooperativeconnecting position with said other' member and being freely movable toor from such position under normal closing or opening movement of saidclosure so said contacts are uneffected, said connection being operableto close said contacts when abnormal relative movement is imparted tosaid members.

10. 'A closure operated circuit closer including in combination, amember adapted to be mounted on the closure, and a member adapted to bemounted adjacent thereto, circuit closing contacts, a contact operatingpart carried by one of said members and having a cooperative connectionwith the other member when said closure is in closed position, saidoperating part being held in position to move into connecting positionwith said other member and being freely movable to or from such positionunder normal closing or opening movement of said closure so saidrcontacts are unefected, said connection being operable to close saidcontacts when abnormal relative movement is imparted to said members,and a friction holding device for automatically maintain- 'ing saidcontacts closed.

11. In a device of the character described, in combination, a plateadapted to be mounted on a swinging door, and a plate adapted to bemounted adjacent thereto, a combined member functioning as a lockingbolt and as a circuit closing part movably carried by one of said platesand having a connection with the other plate when the door is in closedposition, circuit closing contacts, said combined member being movablerelative to its supporting plate upon edgewise movement of said doorrelative to its mountings to close said contacts and then abuttingagainst said plate to function as a lock to resist said relativeedgewise movement.

12. In a. device of the character described, in combination, a plateadapted to llt) be mounted on a swinging door, and

a plate adapted to be mounted adjacent thereto, a combined memberfunctioning as a locking bolt and as a circuit closing part movablycarried by one of said plates and lia-ving a connection with the otherplate wnen the door is in closed position, circuit closing contacts,said combined member being movable relative to its supporting plate uponedgewise movement ot said door relative to its mountings to close saidcontacts and then abutting against said plate to function as a lock toresist said relative edgewise movement, said combined member beingsupported in position for free movement to or from connecting positionwth said other plate when said door is swung normally.

13. In a device of the character described, in combination, a swingingdoor and its casing, an electric circuit closer including two normallyspaced terminals, means operated by relative edgewise movement betweensaid door and said casing to close said terminals including cooperativetern'iinal-moving` devices permanently positioned for cooperation onsaid door and said casing, respectively, adapted to remain inoperativeduring swinging` movement of said door and a friction bralte for themovable terminal to maintain said terminals closed.

la. In a device ot the character described, in combination, a swingingdoor and its casing, an electric circuit closer including a stationaryand a movable terminal on one of said parts and means whereby saidterminals are brought into contact to complete the circuit upon relativeseparating edgewise movement between said parts, said means including aheaded stem carried by the movable terminal and al cooperating extensionon the other part having an open slot adapted to receive said stem whensaid door is closed.

l5. In a device of the character described, in combination, a swingingdoor and its casing, an electric circuit closer, plates projecting fromsaid door and said casing respectively, a stem slidable on the doorplate edgewise of said door extendiin'; across the casing plate andhaving a head adapted to lie against the remote side oil' said plate, aterminal carried by said stein and a tei-ininal mounted on the doorplate adjacent the terminal on said stem.

16. In a device of the character described, in combination, a swingingdoor and its casing, an electric circuit closer, plates projecting fromsaid door and said casing respectively, a stein slidable on the doorplate edgewise or said door extending across the casing plate and havinga head adapted to lie against the remote side or' said plate, a terminalcarried by said stem, a terminal mounted on the door plate adjacent theterv minal on said stem and an adjustable liriction pin on the doorplate adapted to press against. said stem.

17. In a device ot the character described, in combination, a swingingdoor and its casing, an electric circuit closer, plates projecting fromsaid door and said casing respectively, a stein slidable on the dooredgewise of said door plate, an adjustable 'trietion pin on the doorplate adapted to press against said stem, said stein extending acrossthe casing plate and having a head adapted to lie against the remoteside of said plate, a terminal having threaded connection with said stemand adjustable therem on and a terminal mounter on the door plateadjacent the terminal on said stem.

In testimony whereof I al'lix my signature.

DAVID L. GRDN.

